Judy Finnigan

[Deskdiary]

When I saw the headlines this morning I had a sharp intake of breath - surely a woman wouldn't 'excuse' rape?

However, having now seen a transcript, what she actually said was (lifted from the BBC website);

"If he does go back, he will have to brave an awful lot of comments," said Finnigan during her debut appearance on the lunchtime programme.

"But, having said that, he has served his time, he's served two years.

"The rape - and I am not, please, by any means minimising any kind of rape - but the rape was not violent, he didn't cause any bodily harm to the person.

"It was unpleasant, in a hotel room I believe, and she [the victim] had far too much to drink.

"That is reprehensible but he has been convicted and he has served his time."

Ultimately she's right, isn't she?

As unpleasant as this man is, he has served his time, and therefore shouldn't he be allowed to continue to pursure his chosen career?

[kvalidir]

Thanks Mrs- chappie- of course that was what I meant, thank you.

[horseshoes]

Kvalidir, would I be able to ask the rapist to wait while I made my choice?

[Svejk]

3 rape victims have (bravely) come onto this thread to disagree with you, Andy. Does that not give you pause for thought? As for JTH's comment, I despair.

[ludwig]

There's an awful lot of silly name calling on this thread, along the lines of..
'So, you disagree with me do you? That means you must think it's ok to rape people then!!!'

[jackthehat]

Why is that, svejk?

[pixie373]

And at least two are agreeing with him, svejk.

[Retrochic]

I am struggling to understand what this 'choice' is, imaginary or otherwise. Surely the whole point of rape is that the victim has no choice. I personally don't think violent rape is any more traumatizing than rape by a known person, or a 'date' rape. The psychological impact of partner rape or date rape can be significant, sometimes even more than a rape carried out in violence by a stranger. Kvalidir, I think you may be a little out of your depth on this one.

[Slapshot]

Naomi - A jury of twelve men and women obviously thought she was telling the truth and found him guilty, last I checked that what we call justicein this country.

Retro - I don't often agree with some of the things you say... but your last post is BANG ON.... all of it.

Ladies, I apologise that some of my gender are unable to have enough respect for you as people, that they have to force their will on you and that they are insecure enough not to understand that it's wrong. Life is hard enough for people with this.....

[AB Editor]

Hi All,

This is a good discussion, lets not let it boil over into nastiness please.

I'm not directing this at anyone or any group in particular. It's easy to get emotive over the subject, and we may have to accept we're not going to put the world to rights on this issue right here and now.

All the best,

Ed

[Slapshot]

Thanks Mr Ed Understood!

[DTCwordfan]

Agree, retro, on that - kval's young age and thank God that she hasn't been subjected to any attack, is showing through for once.

It's hard to comprehend reactions to rape, major assault or kidnapping, unless you have been a victim. Once you have, the mental picture stays with you forever. I know well from one of those categories and I can still 'paint' a room with the details and colours where I was subjected to the process and that's even after considerable counselling, becoming a 'counsellor/mentor,' thoughts about rationality of the situation and all the rest of repairing the mental damage in the short term.

[DTCwordfan]

Slappy, whilst you are right about men to women, it's not all one way you know.....

[pixie373]

No need for you to apologise, slappy!

[Svejk]

JTH. I refer you to Ludwig's post above your's.

[jackthehat]

No thoughts of your own, then?

[Slapshot]

Fully aware of that DTC, in the context of this thread however it is, but yeah know exactly what you are saying,

[Svejk]

It's not just silly name calling, it's frankly insulting and all the people on here who are hinting at the same thing shouldn't be doing it.

[pixie373]

Who is hinting? If people mean that, they will say that. You're twisting the words.

[ummmm]

I don't know who is hinting either...

[Svejk]

Anyone who disagrees with you IS a rapist, then?